Genetic Traceability of the geographical origin of different water buffalo populations (Bubalus bubalis) by molecular markers

Abstract

In order to distinguish Mediterranea Italiana breed from other populations of water buffaloes we develop a tool for genetic traceability of the geographical origin based on microsatellite markers. Fourteen microsatellite loci, amplified with a protocol of one multiplex-PCR, were used to define genetic variation and relationships among Mediterranea Italiana breed and other buffalo groups coming from three different geographical districts: one group from North Africa, two groups from East Europe and one group from China. A total of 153 buffaloes were analysed. GENETIX computer package were used to calculate the following parameters for each population: allelic frequencies, number of alleles for each locus, average observed (Hobs) and expected (Hexp) heterozygosities, genetic distances and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Population differentiation was analysed by estimation of Fst and Fis index for various group combinations. Population assignment were computed by GENECLASS 2 based on different approach. The individual assignment by different approach has given a result of robustness demarcation distinguishing three definite clusters, therefore this method is useful for distinction of typical products belonging to Mediterranea Italiana breed from the others derived from the other populations of buffalo.

Keywords

• Genetic traceability, Microsatellites, Genetic distances, Population assignment